Articles of the Month

Freedom

In my small city of 5000, turning 16 and obtaining a driver's license is a huge deal. A person's 16th birthday is usually the day of the driver's license exam, and taking the victory cruise with your friends is a ritual. All my friends followed this trend and were cruising free from parents within a month after their sweet sixteen. I, however, just didn't feel ready.

I'm still not sure why I didn't go for my license right away. The fact that I was usually too busy to get in any practicing and nearly failed driver's ed could have played a part. But, whatever the reason, I procrastinated. "I'll get it next month" I'd always say. Of course, living in a small town and not being a licensed driver became everyone's business.

"Did you get your license yet?" they'd ask, becoming annoyed. "Why don't you just get it already?" I wondered why they thought it was such a big deal. Besides, my friends all had their licenses and they could drive me around.

Around February 2002, my younger sister received notice that she was to begin taking her driver's education classes immediately. By this time I was 17 and 3 months. My sister threatened to get her license before me. This fact bothered me somewhat, but the last straw still hadn't arrived.

A younger friend of mine from drama club was soon to be 16. "I bet I'll get my license before you. That would be hilarious" he told me. And THAT was the last straw. There was no way he would beat me. I suddenly became determined to get my license before him, practicing everyday, working toward my goal. And once I put my mind to something, I can't be stopped.

The day finally came, and aside from an absolutely brutal parallel park, my exam was passed and I became the proud owner of a class 5 Saskatchewan driver license. I arrived back at school and put an announcement over the loudspeaker that I had finally gotten my license.

Looking back to that day in early March 2002, I remember the amazing feeling I got from driving alone for the first time. I'm sure all the cars that passed me were thinking, "what is that geek smiling about?" but I couldn't stop myself. The freedom I instantly gained was something I'd never realized existed. The new found independence was one of the greatest turning points in my life.

I'm not sure if I'd carry out the situation differently if I could. Although getting my license was easy, and something I could have done at a much younger age, I'm sort of glad that I held onto my youth for a little bit longer than everyone else. I'm technically older, but I feel younger than a lot of people my age. I think that's what I subconsciously wanted - to stay a kid forever.

Obtaining a driver's license is a different ordeal for every teenager. All potential life changing decisions should be thought out carefully, and getting your driver's license is no exception.